Staffordshire-based Nelson’s Distillery & School have today launched their first rum. Having dealt solely in gin production and distribution since their inception in 2016, including the launch of the world’s first gin made with the Timur pepper, they have now broken new ground with the introduction of Nelson’s Signature Blend Rum and Nelson’s Roasted Pineapple Rum.

Each rum is a blend of three individual rums, handpicked from Barbados, The Dominican Republic and Jamaica. It is then aged in oak barrels for three years to give it a distinct aroma, before natural flavourings such as the pineapple are added.

The rum launch comes hot on the heels of Nelson’s Distillery & School’s recent news that they have become a limited company and expanded the sales team with 2 additional staff. Rosie Peters and Lara Marshall have both been recruited as Account Managers to help grow the UK sales of the Nelson’s portfolio.

Neil Harrison, founder and master distiller said of the decision “we know that rum is the next big trend here in the UK, especially flavoured rum. As a forward-thinking, proactive business, we wanted to ensure that our expansion not only includes the development of our signature gin range, but also places us firmly at the forefront of this exciting new marketplace”.

Nelson’s Signature Blend Rum and Nelson’s Roasted Pineapple Rum join the Nelson’s Distillery & School portfolio which includes Nelson’s Gin (London Dry), Navy Strength Gin, the award-winning Rhubarb and Custard Gin, Timur Gin, the Limited Edition Rose and Raspberry, and the Limited Edition Winter Special Gin. Prices start at £40 per 70cl bottle.